This page is dedicated to providing a comprehensive overview of Lung Cancer, including important information about its causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. The creation of this content was made possible through an independent grant from Merck & Co., Inc.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer is cancer that’s within the lungs. It’s usually in the cells lining the air passages of your lungs. It happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors, which can interfere with breathing and spread to other parts of the body.
It can cause coughing, trouble breathing, and chest pain, with smoking being a common cause for it.
Other symptoms can include coughing up blood, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and certain harmful chemicals can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
How does it impact underserved communities?
Lung Cancer impacts underserved communities by causing higher illness and death rates among people who usually have fewer healthcare resources.
Many people in underserved communities don’t have easy access to checkups or early treatment. Furthermore, they typically face greater exposure to smoking, pollution, and unsafe working conditions.
As a result, Lung Cancer is often found at a later stage in underserved populations, making treatment more difficult.